Motorcycle Execs Perish in Plane Crash

The powersports company US Highland lost its president, Mats Malmberg, and two executives after the three were killed in a plane crash near a wooded area at Tulsa International Airport Saturday.

Malmberg, 41, CFO Damian Riddoch, 37, and COO Charles Bales, 51, were returning from a business trip to Detroit when the tragedy occurred. According to reports, the three were en route to an airport in Jenks, Okla., but had to make an emergency stop at Tulsa due to running low on fuel. The twin-engine plane was owned and flown by Bales.

Steven A. Moell (CEO at US Highland) says :"This is a human tragedy beyond imagination. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families. No words can describe the loss the families are experiencing. It was an honor to work with these three men and I know they would want us to continue to build US Highland into a leading U.S. powersports company. They were all true visionaries and will be deeply missed."

U.S Highland is a manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. The company was started in Sweden, but moved to Mounds, Okla., in 2008. A professional motorcycle competitor in Europe, Malmberg designed and tested all of U.S. Highland’s prototypes.

The tragedy struck at a time of growth for US Highland, which employees around 30 people. The company had just opened a new 14 acre building complex, and had announced it will release a new line of motorcycles in the near future.

Bengt Andersson (US Highland Chairman) says: "I know everyone including myself at U.S. Highland will sincerely miss Mats, Chase and Damian. I always had a strong respect for their work ethic and strong level of integrity. My deepest condolences go out to their families."

Malmberg is survived by his wife and three children. Bales is survived by his wife and two children. Riddoch is survived by his wife and four children.